ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Technician Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Elio

Optical Lab Technician

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

We are looking for a skilled Optical Lab Technician to join our dynamic R&D team. An ideal candidate will have a solid track record of optical lab work, hands-on optical assembly and alignment skills ...

New

PAUL S CRISMON OD INC

Optical Lab Technician

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Small optometry office seeking a part to full time optical dispenser at our Norwalk, CA office. Position includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance. Compensation is hourly plus a bonus program.

PAUL S CRISMON OD INC

Optical Lab Technician

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Small optometry office seeking a part to full time optical dispenser at our Norwalk, CA office. Position includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance. Compensation is hourly plus a bonus program.

PAUL S CRISMON OD INC

Optical Lab Technician

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Small optometry office seeking a part to full time optical dispenser at our Norwalk, CA office. Position includes Medical, Dental and Vision insurance. Compensation is hourly plus a bonus program.

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Amphenol TCS

SI Lab Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Position: SI Lab Technician Location: Santa Clara, CA Amphenol High Speed Products Group is the ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab Technician JobsOptical Lab Technician Jobs in California

Optical Lab Technician information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$55

How much do optical lab technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab technician in California is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical lab technician do?

An Optical Lab Technician is responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and finishing eyeglasses and other optical devices according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Their duties include cutting, grinding, polishing, and edging lenses, as well as fitting them into frames. They use specialized machinery and tools to ensure lenses meet precise specifications and quality standards. Additionally, Optical Lab Technicians may maintain equipment, manage inventory, and perform quality checks to ensure customers receive accurate and comfortable eyewear.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical lab technician, and how do they contribute to the overall workflow of an optical lab?

As an Optical Lab Technician, your daily responsibilities often include cutting, edging, and fitting lenses into eyeglass frames, inspecting finished products for quality, and maintaining lab equipment. You'll also manage orders, ensure accurate lens prescriptions, and collaborate with optometrists or retail staff to meet customer needs. Your attention to detail and ability to work efficiently help ensure that the optical products meet stringent quality standards and are delivered on time, which is essential for the smooth operation of the lab and customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, precision measurement, and lens fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and coating equipment is typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards like ANSI. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that contribute to accuracy and teamwork. These competencies ensure high-quality optical products, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Technician vs Optician?

AspectOptical Lab TechnicianOptician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance job prospectsRequires certification or licensing, such as NCLE or ABO certification
Work EnvironmentWorks in laboratories, handling lens cutting, edging, and assemblyWorks directly with customers in retail settings, fitting and selling eyewear
Job FocusFabricates and repairs lenses and frames based on prescriptionsAdvises patients on eyewear options and ensures proper fit

While both roles are essential in the eyewear industry, Optical Lab Technicians focus on lens fabrication and repair in labs, whereas Opticians interact directly with customers to select and fit eyewear. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the optical industry.

How long does it take to become an optical lab technician?

Becoming an optical lab technician typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or a specialized certification program that can last from a few months to a year. Some employers prefer candidates with technical training or certification in optical technology, which can take additional months to complete.

Is an optical lab technician a good career?

An optical lab technician is a skilled role that involves fabricating and repairing eyeglasses and lenses, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of optical equipment. The career offers steady employment opportunities, especially with certification or training, and can lead to advancement in the optical or healthcare industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Lab Technician jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Lab Technician job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Technician jobs in CA?

For Optical Lab Technician jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Lab Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Technician job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,756 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Optical Lab Technician

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Elio
See more jobs at Elioexternal

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

About Elio:

Elio is building next-generation sensing systems that combine advanced optics with AI to turn light into structured, actionable information. Our platform uses real-time machine learning to extract rich physical signals beyond traditional imaging, enabling deeper insight and better decision-making. While our first applications are in biology and drug discovery, the technology is designed to extend across industries and advanced systems, where understanding complex physical environments is critical. 


Join Elio, where innovation meets impact. As a leader in AI-driven optical sensing, we’re redefining how machines understand the physical world. At Elio, you’ll work alongside a team of curious, driven builders pushing the boundaries of what sensing systems can do. We’re looking for people who embrace complexity, move fast, and want to shape technologies that unlock new capabilities across industries. If you’re ready to build something fundamentally new in a dynamic, hands-on environment, Elio is your next great adventure. 


Job Description:

We are looking for a skilled Optical Lab Technician to join our dynamic R&D team. An ideal candidate will have a solid track record of optical lab work, hands-on optical assembly and alignment skills, knowledge of microscopy techniques, resourcefulness and ability to adapt in a fast paced environment with a high degree of uncertainty. Programming skills are a plus. This is a full-time on site position in our San Mateo office.


Responsibilities:


  • Build, assemble and align optical components and modules
  • Conduct optical experiments and tests
  • Perform microscopy imaging and analysis
  • Work with motorized precision motion control stages for system automation and data collection
  • Handle and prepare microscopy slides and samples
  • Maintain and calibrate optical and mechanical equipment
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
  • Collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop optical technologies
  • Document experimental procedures and results


Qualifications:


  • Bachelor's degree in physics, optics, or a related field
  • 2+ years of experience working in an optical lab (education or industry)
  • Hands on experience with optical assembly and alignment
  • Fundamental functional understanding of optical and mechanical principles
  • Experience with microscopy imaging and analysis
  • Programming skills in Python/MATLAB (a plus)
  • Strong attention to details
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Flexible and capable of adjusting to evolving requirements in dynamic settings.


Our ideal candidate loves working in a fast paced environment, has the urge to solve problems and is eager to learn and grow with the company. If you believe you are that kind of person - Elio is looking for you!


Benefits:

Elio offers a fast-paced, creative, and inspiring environment with talented teammates and strong compensation and benefits

  • Competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental & vision
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies 
  • Chance to make a significant impact in the field of advanced sensing and AI 

Apply